Looking after your mental health

Getting older is a gift but it also brings its fair share of challenges as we cope with declining physical and mental health. Looking after our mental health is important as it is the central part of our overall wellbeing.

Your mental health is your psychological and emotional wellbeing. From time to time, it is normal to feel sad, moody, angry or frustrated as we deal with the ups and downs of life. However, if you experience these feelings intensely for long periods of time, you could be suffering from depression.

Depression is a serious medical condition that can cause severe symptoms affecting how you think, feel and act. According to Beyond Blue, it is estimated that between 10 to 15 per cent of older people are experiencing depression and about 10 per cent experience anxiety.

Older people are more susceptible to feelings of nervousness, sadness, grief and loss and these in part, can be due to various factors such as illness or chronic disease, frailty or loss of independence, financial stress, increasing isolation or loneliness, or death of a life partner. A significant change in living arrangements such as transitioning into residential aged care can be a trigger too. Over the past 12 months, the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated fears and restrictions has also had an impact on mental health.

Good mental health is often associated with healthy ageing, and will help you feel more confident and have better selfesteem.

Look ing after your mental health is important to help you get the most out of life and maintain healthy relationships with others.

Unfortunately, many older people are hesitant to talk to someone or seek professional help when they are experiencing depression or anxiety. They may just shrug it off as a form of weakness or character flaw, rather than a genuine health condition.

Sometimes, the symptoms of depression or anxiety are not obvious as they often develop gradually over time. If you are struggling to stay happy or find meaning in life, do not suffer in silence.

Ignoring the symptoms over long periods of time can be detrimental to your mental health and wellbeing. If you are finding it hard to cope with everyday living, the good news is that there is support available, as well as effective treatments to help older people recover.

A good first step is speaking with your doctor as they can refer you to the right support services if necessary. Alternatively, you can contact one of the organisations below for help or advice.

Where to get help

Head to Health – guide to some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Visit www.headtohealth.gov.au

Open Arms – mental health support for veterans, ADF personnel and their family members. Call 1800 011 046 or visit www.openarms.gov.au

Beyond Blue – for people feeling depressed or anxious. Call 1300 22 4636 or visit www.beyondblue.org.au

Lifeline – for anyone having a personal crisis. Call 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au

Common causes of mental health issues in older people x Illness x Frailty and loss of independence x Grief and loss x Financial stress x Changing living arrangements x Increasing social isolation

Ways to improve your wellbeing x Eating well x Getting enough sleep x Exercising regularly x Spending time with friends and family x Sharing feelings with others x Doing enjoyable and relaxing activities x Volunteering and helping others

(source: healthdirect.gov.au)